Wigan 1 - 0 Newcastle

Referee admits error

The referee whose linesman failed to spot Alan Shearer "scoring" for Newcastle on Saturday conceded yesterday that the ball was probably over the line.

Phil Dowd also warned of further goalline controversies to come until football introduces technology as an aid to officials.

"You hope to get things right," he said. "If it looks like something isn't right, then that is frustrating for the referee and everybody else."

Fifa is experimenting with a microchip ball in the hope of introducing the innovation at the 2006 World Cup and Dowd added: "Anyone who knows the game would feel sympathy for him [the assistant referee Andy Williams]. I suppose this will keep happening every season until technology comes in."

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